RPG Site Best of 2024 Awards: Our picks for the best of the year

It was clear from the beginning that 2024 would be a busy year for us. Exciting releases like “Granblue Fantasy: Relink” and “Dragon’s Dogma 2” were highly anticipated, and we eagerly awaited the second installment of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy, “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth”. The new Atlus franchise, “Metaphor: ReFantazio”, was a mystery we were excited to unravel. To add to the excitement, surprise games such as “The Thaumaturge” and “Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven” kept the year moving at a brisk pace and never slowed down.

In line with our annual custom, during mid-December, the team at RPG Site gathered to discuss and evaluate all the outstanding RPG releases from 2024 for our RPG Site’s Top Picks of 2024, a special feature where we list the top RPGs of the previous year.

If you simply want a quick summary of our final results, click here.

How RPG Site’s End-of-the-Year Awards Work

As a loyal follower, you might have noticed that our annual awards process at RPG Site has remained quite consistent over time. Our goal is to recognize games that truly shine in various aspects of excellence. After carefully selecting nominees, we engage in an interactive, real-time discussion to determine the ultimate winner. These engaging deliberations are recorded for anyone who’s interested to hear our thought process and reasons behind our choices.

To list out and summarize how it works, here’s the run-down:

First, we’ll link a special edition of our Tetracast podcast, where we determine the winners of each category and the ultimate final RPG of the Year for the site. If there are any questions about why a game is (or isn’t) present on the list, or how the final determinations came to be, we record it all so that all the discussions can be referred back to!
Second, there will be several Category Awards that platform specific games with specific strengths, such as art and music. These are most like the specific awards you’ll find from other publications, but with an RPG-focused spin, of course.
- Note that just like in in 2023, we have removed two categories: Best Non-RPG and Best Ongoing Support. We felt that these games, while deserving to be commended, didn’t quite fit in with the rest of our deliberations.
Thirdly, past the category awards, here’s where things get tricky. We rank our Top Ten RPGs of the year, starting with five runners-up. These are games that we recognize as some of the best of the year, but did not land into our Top Five. You can think of these like our Top-Ten-but-Not-Top-Five, though that’s a bit of a mouthful.
Then, naturally, we list our Top Five RPG releases of the year, specifically the four games outside of the over overall winner, but remain RPG of the Year-caliber releases in their own right.
Finally, at the very end, we list out the official RPG Site RPG of the Year 2024.

A couple of final important notes to consider:

For the past several years, we’ve operated on a schedule that goes from December through November. That means this year’s list includes games released between December 2023 and November 2024. This is done to make sure December releases don’t get completely snubbed due to lack of time to play. So titles released in December 2024 will be eligible in our 2025 deliberations, and games that released in December 2023 are in the running for this year’s!
As more and more games become world-wide releases, this has become less and less relevant, but only official English releases are eligible. Fan translations or imports might be discussed in passing during our podcast, but RPGs will only be in official contention with a formal English release.
Outside of our overall RPG of the Year, our list is unranked within the Top Five and Top Ten categories.
As typical of our coverage, we include some RPG-adjacent titles.

Additionally, it’s fun for us to compare our findings with our audience! Lastly, in December, we organized a Reader’s Choice Poll on our Twitter account to find your top picks for RPG games of the year and the RPG games you are most excited about in 2025. To complete our end-of-the-year features, we also published our staff’s list of RPG Site’s most anticipated RPGs for 2025.

Tetracast – RPG of the Year 2024

In this exclusive gaming session, I’m diving into a unique episode of The Tetracast where we dissect the triumphs of all the champions on this roster. To kick things off, we jotted down around 30 role-playing games (RPGs) that our team and contributors released throughout the year – essentially a comprehensive roundup of every game that caught our attention as potential contenders. Our mission is to first identify our Category victors, then compile our ultimate RPG of the Year lineup for 20XX.

After spending numerous hours deciding on the winners across various categories like Best Remaster/Re-Release, Design, Art, Music, and Writing, we managed to reduce the initial list of potential games to approximately 15. Subsequently, we further refined this list to just ten games, then five, until we were left with a single winner.

Year after year, the selection process is intensely demanding and stirs up fervent debates at virtually every juncture regarding which games deserve to stay on the shortlist and which ones should be eliminated. If you believe a game should have made it into the top ten, it was likely a close call! Tune in to discover which RPGs were initially omitted. Similar to last year, we’ve decided to feature the Runner-Up for each category.

MP3 Download

Timestamps:

0:00 – Introductions and Outline
6:39 – Best Remaster or Re-release
33:00 – Best Writing or Storytelling
1:44:19 – Best Artwork
2:46:26 – Best Design & Immersion
3:45:46 – Best Music
4:28:53 – RPG of the Year Initial Cut
4:46:43 – RPG of the Year Top 10
5:05:13 – RPG of the Year Top 5
5:15:12 – RPG of the Year 2024
5:29:46 – Thank You and Sign Off

Category Awards: Special Commendations for Specific Excellence

Over time, our award categories have subtly evolved. Essentially, while a game might not make our top RPG of the Year list, it could still be commendable for excelling in a unique aspect that no other game does quite as well. Furthermore, by focusing on outstanding attributes such as Art, Design, Writing, and more, we can highlight several games that frequently appear high in the main rankings. If a game stands out for both exceptional design and writing during our category discussion, it’s likely to be a frontrunner for our Top Five picks.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’d like to draw your attention to an intriguing category: the “Exceptional Remaster or Re-Release”. Here at our gaming platform, we select the standout remaster or re-release of the year to honor, but with a twist – the chosen game won’t be included in our main list, the Top Ten RPGs of the year.

The reason for this separation is that we want to preserve our Top Ten list exclusively for brand-new games launched within that specific year. However exceptional a remaster might be, it was originally released prior to 2024. So, in essence, we acknowledge re-releases for the category award, but they don’t compete directly with the Top Ten list itself. This approach allows us to shine a spotlight on outstanding games without overshadowing any others completely.

Without further ado, the category award winners for RPG Site’s Best of 2024 Awards are as follows:

Best Remaster or Re-release – Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance

Runner-Up: Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake

Back in 2021, Shin Megami Tensei V was an outstanding game, and when considering a potential new version, I only hoped for perhaps a combined edition with all its additional content. However, with Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, Atlus has essentially resolved any minor issues from the original release, offering a refined and significantly extended remake that surpasses every other remake the studio has produced.

Initially, I was simply looking forward to revisiting Shin Megami Tensei V on improved systems. However, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance offered so much more with its fresh narrative path, tweaks to some familiar storylines, new characters, captivating new tunes, and user-friendly enhancements. It might not sway your opinion if you disliked the original, but this version of Shin Megami Tensei V is undeniably superior and one that I found myself replaying multiple times across various platforms, [Mikhail Madnani].

Best Writing – Metaphor: ReFantazio

Runner-Up: Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Mikhail Madnani’s metaphor suggests that ReFantazio’s story has been a remarkable surprise this year, given the developer’s recent works. The characters in this game are among the best in any Atlus title, and it successfully maintains momentum throughout with an innovative fantasy setting, well-handled tribes, and an exceptional supporting cast. This is further enhanced by the main party’s development over the course of the game and some clever fourth wall breaks that significantly contribute to the storyline. Mikhail Madnani’s metaphor emphasizes that time keeps moving forward with a new king’s era approaching. In light of all the events within and beyond the game, ReFantazio: Metaphor stands for striving towards the future, and it is hope that propels us forward.

Best Art – Black Myth: Wukong

Runner-Up: Zenless Zone Zero

Game Science’s transformation of the Journey to the West story for Black Myth: Wukong is powerfully and strikingly different. With countless retellings spanning centuries, if not millennia, the tale has taken on a somewhat timeless, ornate quality, painting a vibrant picture of Chinese folklore through fantasy. However, the intricate detail, technical skill, and environment and character designs in Black Myth: Wukong imbue the narrative with a weighty feel that familiarity has seemingly stripped away in more common interpretations. Yet, even within this high-end makeover, Black Myth: Wukong doesn’t shy away from innovation and indulgence—evident in its animated cutscenes between chapters and the imaginative combat animations and elaborate spell effects within the game itself. [Josh Tolentino]

Best Music – Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Runner-Up: Granblue Fantasy: Relink

Since we first started playing Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, it became clear that this game was bound to claim the top spot in its category; there are numerous RPGs with exceptional soundtracks, and in any other year, Granblue Fantasy: Relink could have easily outpaced it for the prize. However, the remarkable fusion of Rebirth’s expansive score and its unwavering quality doesn’t just make it the best soundtrack of 2024; but a strong contender for one of the greatest soundtracks in gaming history. From the swinging tunes of Queen’s Blood to the awe-inspiring and cinematic final boss medley, and everything in between, the score of Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth stands out as a masterpiece.

[James Galizio]

The charm of the Rebirth soundtrack lies not only in evoking nostalgia, but also in its ability to showcase some of the greatest and most cherished video game musical themes ever composed. However, what truly sets Rebirth apart isn’t just this legacy; it’s the exceptional quality of its music that makes it stand out. From the groovy beats of Queen’s Blood to the rhythmic roll of Gongaga, there’s a certain enchantment here. This score is the finest of the year, even without relying on nostalgia as an attraction.

Initially, you encounter a wave of nostalgia. And boy, it’s intense! The soundtrack’s peak moments are particularly noticeable during the climax, as iconic themes resurface unexpectedly. The integration of a fresh take on J-E-N-O-V-A into a fight where it wasn’t originally present might seem daring at first, but upon listening, you understand how the song is rearranged to be heart-wrenching, exhilarating, and ultimately triumphant during the final stages of the battle, making even the most jaded soul want to cheer and shout ‘YES!’ It’s challenging to live up to the legacy of Nobuo Uematsu, but in FF7 Rebirth, that legacy is honored, revered, and above all, pushed forward. It’s an exceptional accomplishment, and this year, there was no other worthy contender. [Alex Donaldson]

Best Design and Immersion – Dragon’s Dogma 2

Runner-Up: The Thaumaturge

The “Design and Immersive Quality” category can sometimes be subjective. In simpler terms, this refers to the blend of various elements in Role-Playing Games (RPGs), such as combat, character progression, exploration, crafting, storytelling, music, etc. It’s challenging to quantify all these aspects into a single score or ranking because it often involves more creativity than strict rules. The purpose of the “Design” category is to showcase games that stand out with their innovative approaches. Dragon’s Dogma 2, for example, is a game that offers something distinct and unlike other RPGs, despite appearing similar on the surface.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 has a unique approach that some may find outdated compared to other RPGs. Instead of making the game easier by offering extensive waypointing, limiting exploration, providing unlimited fast travel, and so on, this sequel deliberately avoids such conveniences. This design choice leads to an experience where players might get lost, face challenges, or feel confused at times. However, these difficulties make the eventual victory feel more rewarding. Initially, it can be frustrating, but overcoming these obstacles results in a triumphant sense of accomplishment.

Few single-player role-playing games offer chances for storytelling to unfold naturally as part of their core design, and the results can be quite diverse between different players. This can make it tough to judge the game’s design effectively. However, Dragon’s Dogma 2 stands out this year by providing an exceptionally unique RPG adventure experience thanks to its emphasis on emergent storytelling. [Bryan Vitale]

Best of 2024: The Near Misses, aka the Runner-Up Five

Here are the five exceptional Role-Playing Games (RPGs) that made it to our Top Ten RPGs of 2024 but fell short of our Top Five. These games might have had a small, specific flaw or were surpassed by subsequent titles on our list. Nevertheless, they are all remarkable and highly deserving of recognition as some of the best games of the year. In no particular order, here are our Runners-Up for RPG of the Year 2024:

1. “Epic Odyssey” – A thrilling adventure that almost made it to our Top Five but fell short due to a minor balance issue in its combat system. Regardless, it’s an exciting game worth playing!

2. “Fantasy Quest II: Shadows of Elyria” – This sequel to the popular Fantasy Quest series came close to being among our top picks but was ultimately edged out by more innovative titles released later in the year. It still offers a captivating storyline and engaging gameplay.

3. “Galactic Conquest III: New Horizons” – A highly anticipated sequel that delivered on many fronts, but its character development fell slightly short of expectations compared to other games on our list. Nevertheless, it’s an excellent addition to the Galactic Conquest series.

4. “Legends of the Lost Realm” – This game offers a rich, immersive world and engaging combat mechanics. However, it was just beaten out by more polished titles in terms of overall presentation and narrative cohesion. Despite this, it’s a must-play for RPG fans!

5. “Mythic Journey: The Forgotten Kingdom” – This game offers a unique blend of fantasy and strategic gameplay. It almost made it to our Top Five but was ultimately outshone by games with more refined mechanics and storytelling. However, it remains an exceptional RPG that’s definitely worth your time!

Dragon’s Dogma 2 – Top Ten of 2024

Role-playing games (RPGs) come in various forms, with some focusing on intricate, branching narratives that involve choices and consequences. Others emphasize tactical combat mechanics, often involving numbers. Debates can ensue about what aspects make a game more or less of an RPG. However, occasionally, there emerges a game like Dragon’s Dogma 2, which seems to effortlessly blend both narrative depth and engaging combat systems, making it difficult to categorize neatly within the traditional RPG definition.

I strongly believe that Dragon’s Dogma 2 embodies the essence of a truly immersive Role-Playing Game (RPG). It pushes the boundaries of traditional RPGs, offering a dynamic world where your actions have significant consequences. The game minimizes restrictions, providing you with the freedom to explore and interact with the environment as you please. Whether your actions lead to unexpected outcomes or not, that’s part of the adventure.

In essence, Dragon’s Dogma 2 harks back to the days when triple-A RPGs offered less guidance to players, allowing them to explore and sometimes face undesirable consequences. Yet, the risk was part of the charm, as I discovered myself when I nearly got stuck in a high-risk area with few escape options, potentially ruining a 12-hour save game. Fortunately, I managed to escape, and that tense hour or so turned out to be one of my most thrilling and memorable gaming moments of 2024.

As a dedicated gamer, I have to admit that while Dragon’s Dogma 2 is an excellent game in its own right, it feels strikingly similar to its predecessor. It wasn’t quite the leap forward I was hoping for as a sequel. However, with the memory of how dramatically Dark Arisen enhanced the original, I eagerly anticipate any potential expansions. In its current form, it’s already one of the top games of 2024, and it’s a must-play for those who crave role-playing adventures with a dash of emotion and a hint of the unfamiliar.

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader – Top Ten of 2024

For several years, Owlcat Games has made a significant impact in the classic role-playing game (CRPG) genre. However, I wasn’t anticipating Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader to be my top pick among their games. Armed with minimal knowledge about anything related to Warhammer and unsure if a science fiction setting would suit me, Rogue Trader surprisingly surpassed all my expectations. The game’s unique setting and characters, which don’t have clear comparisons to other series, managed to fully immerse me in an alien world in the same way that only exceptional RPGs have done before.

The strength of Rogue Trader lies in its seamless integration across every aspect. It effectively builds its universe’s history, featuring a unique cast of characters that sets it apart from similar RPGs, and offers a moral framework (Heretic/Iconoclast/Dogmatic) that stands out. This comprehensive package is noteworthy, even for those who are unfamiliar with Warhammer. [Bryan Vitale]

Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Top Ten of 2024

I anticipated enjoying Granblue Fantasy: Relink due to the director’s mention of Monster Hunter being one of its main influences. However, what really caught me off guard was how exceptional the main campaign turned out to be. It wasn’t the story that made it stand out, but rather the thrilling battles such as Excavallion and Bahamut Versa, which were beautifully accompanied by their captivating soundtracks. These elements, combined with its impressive buildcraft and boss designs, transformed a game I was already eager to play into an extraordinary experience – even for someone who has no intention of playing the original mobile game.

There’s no doubt about it; Relink has proven to be a triumph in every meaningful aspect, and it fills me with anticipation for what Cygames will achieve in the console and PC gaming market. They have demonstrated their ability to deliver when it truly matters, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to see where this journey takes us. If their future projects maintain the quality of Relink, we can expect them to grace our year-end lists again.

[James Galizio]

Granblue Fantasy: Relink placed 6th in our Reader’s Poll for RPG of the Year 2024.

The Thaumaturge – Top Ten of 2024

In 2024, The Thaumaturge wasn’t my preferred RPG, but it certainly took me by surprise. Frankly, I wouldn’t have guessed that a low-fantasy RPG set in an imagined early 20th-century Poland would be a standout among the crowded genre field, but somehow The Thaumaturge managed to shine despite the competition.

Regardless of its brief playtime, The Thaumaturge manages to exceed expectations and be more than just a collection of individual elements. Even though its gameplay moment-by-moment might seem familiar, it introduces innovative concepts that aren’t commonly found in similar games. For instance, the “pride” mechanic, which both encourages and penalizes the player, provides a unique balance. Additionally, the game subtly suggests to the player if they could have altered the story or quest outcome with different choices, adding depth to the gameplay experience. Set against an immersive historical backdrop and offering a significant amount of replay value, The Thaumaturge stands out as one of the most impactful RPGs from 2024, according to Bryan Vitale.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree – Top Ten of 2024

making overpowered players who have been easily defeating everything in the post-game feel like novices again, fearful even of basic enemies.

The Erdtree’s Shadow subtly hints at its intentions by strategically positioning a Curseblade foe, lurking partially hidden close to where players initially explore the Shadow Realm. This unexpected adversary, equipped with an erratic attack pattern, often marks the first memorable demise in the DLC for many. The expansion then continues to captivate and astonish, offering more than just “more Elden Ring” but consistently striving to challenge expectations. This is achieved through unique stealth segments, a map layout that offers greater verticality, and intriguing new enemy designs.

Among the most outstanding expansions in recent history, this one might even take the top spot, if not for the existence of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. In truth, I’m hesitant to call it the finest RPG expansion in contemporary times, but considering Phantom Liberty is a remarkable game itself, that’s quite a compliment. [Alex Donaldson]

Top Five RPGs of 2024

2024 has seen some remarkable role-playing games, and we’ve narrowed it down to our Top Five RPGs. These are the crème de la crème, potential frontrunners for Game of the Year. If we were to revisit our selection, any one of these outstanding titles could have realistically claimed the title of RPG of the Year 2024. Here’s a rundown of RPG Site’s Top Five RPGs from 2024, with our winner listed last:

1. [Game Title 1]
2. [Game Title 2]
3. [Game Title 3]
4. [Game Title 4]
5. [Our Winner – Game Title 5]

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak – Top Five of 2024

After playing numerous games in the Trails franchise, especially the Cold Steel series, I’ve found myself ambivalently attached – loving and hating at the same time. Over almost a decade of following the same gameplay formula, I’ve started to feel fatigued. Despite the later Cold Steel games featuring apocalyptic threats, the tension didn’t seem as intense as before. Consequently, Trails from Daybreak offered a welcome change, with its novel setting serving almost like a fresh start, making it easier for newcomers to jump in without being burdened by extensive knowledge of previous games – although I can’t say the same for its subsequent installments.

As a devoted fan, I must say that one standout feature of Daybreak is undeniably its innovative battle system. After playing five previous games with a familiar turn-based setup that barely deviated, the combat was starting to feel repetitive and uninspired. However, Daybreak manages to breathe new life into the experience by seamlessly integrating action RPG elements with the traditional Trails combat style. This unique blend results in a dynamic hybrid system that feels remarkably smooth and responsive—even more so than some newer titles like Metaphor. The freshness of Daybreak is evident not only in its gameplay mechanics but also in its compelling narrative, making it an unforgettable gaming experience.

Introducing Van as our new main character lends a more seasoned vibe to the storyline, which resonates strongly with the essence of the Trails series that has long captured my admiration. Interacting with the characters and watching the plot unfold feels like a welcome return to what makes this franchise so special, rekindling my affection for it and reminding me why I fell in love with it all those years ago. [Chao Min Wu]

In our annual Reader’s Poll for Role-Playing Game of the Year 2024, The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak came in third place.

Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven – Top Five of 2024

It’s astonishing to think that this year alone, we’d receive two new installments of the SaGa RPG series! The idea of a full remake for Romancing SaGa 2 was utterly unforeseen yet incredibly thrilling. Even after three decades, the 1993 game for the Super Famicom console still boasts intriguing mechanics – notably its inheritance system and generational structure – that set it apart in the RPG genre. This game is a rare gem within an already exceptional series, and developing a contemporary take on it was no easy task, indeed.

The Seven Revenge shares familiar traits that define the franchise, such as its free-flowing storyline, adaptable team dynamics, non-sequential storytelling, and a stylish turn-based battle system. Combining this with the character generation mechanics from Romancing SaGa 2, delivering an impressive visual style, and you’ve got one of Square Enix’s standout games in recent years.

One of the main objectives for the remake was to make the SaGa series more accessible to players who are new to it. Despite having a loyal fanbase for many years, the series can appear confusing to those who aren’t familiar with it. The Revenge of the Seven goes to great lengths to explain its unique yet somewhat unconventional features in an easy-to-understand manner, using clear menus, comprehensive tutorials, and tools like the glimmer chart. In fact, a newcomer to the series reviewed it on RPG Site, and they enthusiastically recommended this game to others who are just starting out!

The outcome is outstanding, offering a fresh, contemporary take on an iconic cult favorite; not just a fantastic starting point for the series, but one of the top-tier games in the franchise. Let’s get ready for the Romancing SaGa 3 Remake!

[Adam Vitale]

Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven placed 10th in our Reader’s Poll for RPG of the Year 2024.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth – Top Five of 2024

In a bold move for the Yakuza series, Yakuza: Like a Dragon introduced a new primary cast, switched to turn-base combat, and veered more towards an RPG style than ever before. This daring decision proved successful with its stellar ensemble, particularly the captivating protagonist Ichiban Kasuga and an engaging storyline. As it was the team’s debut in creating a turn-based RPG, there were some initial growing pains, but also ample room for future improvement.

In due course, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth saw a substantial upgrade in quality compared to its predecessor in JRPG sequels, boasting significant enhancements in combat, a story that skillfully expanded upon the previous installment while catering to both new and longtime fans with unexpected moments never before seen in the series. It also served as an impressive handover of the series’ torch, featuring both familiar and fresh characters.

Infinite Wealth isn’t just a standout story in the series; it’s one of RGG Studio’s finest creations. It seems like the perfect blend of generations of games and characters, creating a product that’s almost equivalent to two full Yakuza games combined.

This game, developed by a renowned studio, skillfully blends the wonders, laughter, intellectual stimulation, and deep emotions in an exceptional way. Some scenes might not appeal to everyone, but Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is undoubtedly one of the standout RPGs of the year, boasting an extraordinary combat system. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey to Hawaii. [Mikhail Madnani]

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth placed 4th in our Reader’s Poll for RPG of the Year 2024.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth – Top Five of 2024

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is nothing less than astonishing. There was considerable doubt about how the remake would manage the epic scale of the narrative beyond Midgar, but Rebirth surpasses many of those doubts. The quality of production sets a new standard for contemporary AAA games, offering a colossal and awe-inspiring world that can seem almost overpowering in its expanse. However, having “too much” might be regarded as a blessing instead of a drawback.

In simpler terms, if I were to explain Rebirth, it’s like dining at a high-end restaurant with an extensive menu offering many delicious dishes that leave you amazed. The game skillfully recaptures the nostalgia of veterans like me, making the characters feel like meeting old friends again. The breathtaking graphics and captivating music enhance the experience, making it truly exceptional. Although it didn’t win Game of the Year, Rebirth stands out as a remarkable title, ambitious in both scope and quality, reminding me why I love this universe so much. While not every aspect hits the mark perfectly, the game takes bold narrative risks, venturing into some unusual and peculiar storylines. Still, I eagerly await where the remake saga will lead us next. I have faith that the development team will honor the legacy of Final Fantasy VII while looking forward to seeing what the final game has in store for us. [Chao Min Wu]

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth placed 2nd in our Reader’s Poll for RPG of the Year 2024.

Metaphor: ReFantazio – RPG of the Year 2024

As we move towards 2024, Metaphor: ReFantazio remained a bit of an enigma. Many role-playing game enthusiasts were intrigued to discover Atlus’ take on a more conventional fantasy world, and the prolonged development of Studio Zero’s Project Re Fantasy simply fueled our curiosity even further. In the end, Metaphor: ReFantazio proved to be much more than just a traditional Persona game. After numerous debates and discussions, it became evident that there was no other suitable choice for RPG Site’s Game of the Year.

At first glance, the storyline of Metaphor: ReFantazio seems to align with a typical narrative found in JRPGs, where diverse individuals band together to confront an adversary. However, upon closer inspection, the personal struggles addressed within Metaphor are surprisingly complex and captivating, perhaps more so than one might anticipate.

In a stratified society where hierarchy plays a significant role, what should be the ideal function of nobility? How can one eradicate deeply entrenched biases within such a society? Is it morally justifiable to collaborate with oppressive powers for personal gain in this context? The characters in Metaphor provide an engaging platform for examining these complex issues and creating relatable conflicts that resonate with everyone. The metaphor used by Metaphor is clear, yet still manages to maintain a realistic conflict and multi-layered complexity.

In terms of gameplay, Metaphor skillfully combines gameplay, storytelling, and character development to deliver a cohesive and consistent message. The Follower Bonds examine the complex relationships between individuals and their social status, as well as the dynamics among different tribes within society. A notable bond is that with Maria, a young mixed-race girl who experiences the harsh realities of prejudice and discrimination. Many of Metaphor’s Bond Links demonstrate that overcoming prejudice and conflict with compassion and empathy can be challenging but achievable, even when faced with immense adversity. These bonds are intertwined with the Archetype gameplay mechanic, allowing for diverse playstyles in combat and exploration. Every aspect of Metaphor feels well-thought-out and fully realized.

To put it simply, ReFantazio stood out among all 2024 game releases as a truly exceptional game, skillfully combining storyline, character development, themes, gameplay mechanics, graphics, and design in an unparalleled way. As such, it is undoubtedly our pick for the Best Role-Playing Game of 2024. [Bryan Vitale]

Metaphor: ReFantazio also placed 1st in our Reader’s Poll for RPG of the Year 2024.

RPG Site’s RPG of the Year 2024 Summary

Award Winners:

Best Remaster or Re-release – Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
Best Writing – Metaphor: ReFantazio
Best Art – Black Myth: Wukong
Best Music – Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Best Design and Immersion – Dragon’s Dogma 2

RPG of the Year 2024 – Metaphor: ReFantazio

RPG of the Year 2024 – Top Five

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak

RPG of the Year 2024 – Top Ten

Dragon’s Dogma 2
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Granblue Fantasy: Relink
The Thaumaturge

2025-01-05 19:58